OnePlus Nord 2 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date July 28, 2021 August 9, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 96.79 cm³ 110.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 189 g 205 g
Height 159.1 mm 164 mm
Width 73.3 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gray Sierra
  • Blue Haze
  • Green Wood
  • Pac-Man Edition
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.84 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.49 mAh/cm³ 45.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) Exynos 850 (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MC9 Mali-G52

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the OnePlus Nord 2 5G and Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho, focusing on what matters to you in the real world. We’ll skip the marketing fluff and get straight to the practical implications.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed comparison table, translating the specs into everyday user experiences:

FeatureOnePlus Nord 2 5GSamsung Galaxy A12 NachoReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mmNord 2 is more compact and pocketable.
Weight189g205gNord 2 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.43"6.5"Virtually the same size.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Nord 2 has a sharper, more detailed display.
PPI409270Nord 2’s text and images will look significantly clearer.
TechnologyAMOLEDPLS LCDNord 2 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzNord 2 provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsInformation unavailable.
Performance
ChipsetDimensity 1200 (6 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)Nord 2 is significantly faster and more responsive.
AnTuTu Score714,400117,300Nord 2 handles demanding apps and games with ease.
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G52Nord 2 offers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX76648MP, f/2.0Nord 2 captures better low-light photos and sharper images.
Selfie Camera32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX6158MP, f/2.2Nord 2 takes significantly higher-quality selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" Sony IMX3555MP, f/2.0Nord 2 captures wider, more detailed landscapes.
Portrait ModeN/A2MP, f/2.4A12 Nacho can take depth photos.
Macro LensN/A2MP, f/2.4A12 Nacho can take close-up photos.
Black & White2MP, f/2.4N/ANord 2 can take black and white photos.
Video4K@30fps, EIS1080p@30fpsNord 2 records higher-resolution, stabilized video.
FeaturesOIS, RAWN/ANord 2 offers better image stabilization and professional editing options.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhA12 Nacho likely offers longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingNord 2 charges much faster.
Storage
Internal128/256 GB32/64/128 GBNord 2 provides more storage for apps, photos, and videos.
RAM6/8/12 GB3/4/6 GBNord 2 handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Nord 2 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.25.0Nord 2 has a newer Bluetooth version.
GPSQZSSN/ANord 2 has more accurate GPS.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasicSide-mountedA12 Nacho provides a more natural unlocking experience.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownNord 2 has a more resistant screen to scratch and drops.

2. Key Insights

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G: The Nord 2 is the clear winner in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset is a powerhouse, the AMOLED screen is vibrant and sharp, and the 65W charging is incredibly convenient.
  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho: The A12 Nacho's main advantage is its larger battery capacity, which translates to potentially longer battery life. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Great for gamers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who values a premium user experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho: Best suited for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone with long battery life for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games without lag, the Nord 2 is the obvious choice.
  2. What is your budget? The A12 Nacho is the more affordable option.
  3. How important is battery life? If you value long battery life over everything else, the A12 Nacho might be a better fit.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Gamer/Social Media Enthusiast: OnePlus Nord 2 5G. The superior performance, display, and camera make it the perfect choice.
  • Budget-Conscious User Needing Long Battery Life: Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho. It covers the basics and lasts longer on a single charge.
  • Everyday User Wanting a Balanced Experience: OnePlus Nord 2 5G. The better all-around performance and features justify the higher price.

Personal choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. Although the A12 Nacho has a bigger battery, the performance and camera differences are too big to ignore. The Nord 2’s processor is significantly faster, and the AMOLED display and fast charging makes the difference.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.